WWE Superstar Watch: Cody Rhodes: WWE vs AEW; heel turn pitched

Welcome to today's edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling's WWE Superstar Watch, where we cover the latest updates on the stars of the global juggernaut. This edition focuses on the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes.

The American Nightmare has been involved in a rivalry with Drew McIntyre on SmackDown. His demeanor has shifted to being more aggressive lately. After invading McIntyre's house to attack him last week, QB1 also put the SmackDown general manager, Nick Aldis, on notice.

That said, there are several updates about Rhodes outside the ring as well, which we will cover here. So without further ado, let's get started.

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#3. Arn Anderson compares Cody Rhodes in WWE and AEW

Arn Anderson served as Cody Rhodes' manager in AEW and also shares a close relationship with Rhodes in real life. In a recent interview with Denice Salcedo, Anderson detailed the difference between The American Nightmare in WWE and AEW.

Arn Anderson noted that Rhodes had full creative control in the Tony Khan-led promotion, while there is a strict pecking order of people in charge in the global juggernaut.

“He had full control with his destiny in AEW. WWE is very strict and very regimented. There's a pecking order of people in charge. With a new company, TKO, buying it, it's become a mega company if that's possible. A billion-dollar company. I just think you have got a lot more hands-on with Tony Khan in AEW than WWE and I don't know if that will ever change," said Anderson.

After playing a key role in establishing the Jacksonville-based company, Rhodes returned to the global juggernaut in 2022 and has been one of the top stars of the promotion ever since.

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#2. Mark Henry believes The American Nightmare could turn heel due to his rivalry with Drew McIntyre

On last week's SmackDown, Cody Rhodes cut a fiery promo, listing out his accomplishments to Nick Aldis. QB1's demeanor raised many eyebrows, as it seemed slightly unusual for him to act this way.

Speaking on the Busted Open Podcast, Mark Henry shared his thoughts on Rhodes' promo and how it sounded more heelish than a babyface.

"It's been a long time since we heard the guy that's the leader, the guy that's the so-called QB1, that we call the franchise, come out and make an announcement that that's who he is, sounded very heelish," Henry said.

Henry further stated that perhaps the rivalry with Drew McIntyre may push The American Nightmare to embrace his dark side, as the Scotsman was trying to break Cody.

"Maybe it's the fact that Drew McIntyre is bringing this side of Cody out. The way that he's pushing Cody's buttons, if Cody don't find his own identity, we might lose Cody to the dark side... He is not just trying to win the title, he's trying to break Cody," he added.

While McIntyre has already lost twice to Cody Rhodes, he will likely get another shot at the Undisputed Title soon. It remains to be seen how this storyline develops in the coming weeks.

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#1. Is Cody Rhodes the least pinned WWE Superstar of 2025?

Cody Rhodes is arguably the face of the company, and the creative team has done a great job at protecting him this year. The American Nightmare is among the least pinned WWE Superstars of 2025.

QB1 has been down for a three-count twice this year. He lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania 41 night two, and lost to Seth Rollins at Crown Jewel: Perth.

Rhodes started 2025 as champion, and despite briefly losing the title, he will end the year the same way.

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Edited by Parth Pujara